By Eric Curl
Nov. 11, 2024 – The Civis Foundation (formerly the Galvan Foundation) is nearing the completion of some more Cuyler-Brownville projects, as the New York-based nonprofit moves forward with its city endorsed mixed-income housing initiative for the historic neighborhood.
The latest projects include the rehabilitation of the fire-damaged historic duplex at 2205 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, along with the construction of a carriage house on the lot. Constructed in 1902 on what was West Broad Street, it’s been more than two decades since anyone lived in the 2-story wood frame dwelling just south of 38th Street.
In addition, the foundation’s subsidiary, Savannah Local Initiatives, constructed a similar duplex and carriage house on the adjacent vacant lot, where historic Sanborn maps show a similar structure had stood for more than 100 years. Google Street View shows that building was demolished between 2007 and 2012.
The renovation and construction plans were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission for consideration in May 2023.
Juan José Uzcategui, a housing development coordinator with Civis, said last week that they are working on the water/sewer connections and the punch list for both properties, and they anticipate having everything completed by the end of this month.
“Once finished, the house will be transferred to CHSA to be rented at fair market value, ensuring it remains affordable for the Cuyler-Brownsville community,” Uzcategui said.
Before and after slideshow>
Both properties were purchased from the Historic Savannah Foundation, which placed a 10-year affordability covenant and deed restriction pertaining to the use and resale of the properties. The covenant requires that affordable units not have a rent that exceeds the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) published fair market rents for Chatham County and that the affordable units must not have a household income that exceeds 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
The projects come after the foundation built three single-family houses on a former vacant stretch of land along Lavinia Street as part an initiative with the city to develop more affordable housing in the neighborhood, as previously reported.
Related
If you find value in this website, please consider contributing above or via Paypal to help cover the costs. You can also send contributions via Venmo @Savannah_Agenda. Your support, no matter how much you give, is appreciated and will help ensure the future viability of this community resource. You can also show your support by subscribing below and sharing Savannah Agenda with others via email or social media. Increasing readership is critical to the long-term success of this site.